Removable inner tube core and Lezyne mini pump despair

[thenortherner]

I'm running continental tubs which have a removable core. After 20 minutes of road-side despair I'm not sure where I'm going wrong. I was using this pump:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lezyne-carbon-road-drive-a...

One of two things happened, depending on which end of the hose I connected:

Not a tight seal between the hose and the valve meaning I couldn't get above what was probably around 45 psi, regardless of pump strokes; the pump was so hot my thumb now has a blister on it!

Swap the hose to the other end and I get a better pressure, but it rips out the valve extender.

Beyond frustrating!

Am I best just opting for tubes without the removable core? Can't believe this is the only option! Lezyne pumps are 10 a penny so how are others not having the same issue..

Cheers

[Black can man]

Co2 dude,

£80.00 for a Pump

[Magic919]

Lezyne mention the core problem on their website. I was able to nip them up a bit and not have the problem. Might be worth checking their FAQs.

[thenortherner]

Cheers,

Just watched this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJtvjsZU5e0

They demo this, and it looks much better. No stupid hoses or threads, and therefore no danger of it ripping a valve core out:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-micro-rocket-cb-pum...

On a previous occasion I managed to rip off the valve.

I'll be going for some Michelen tubes, looks like they don't have removable inners, and the above pump.

I've just Googled 'lezyne pump removable valve core' and the cycle forums are awash with people with the same problem.

[PHmember]

Just tighten the valve cores when you get home - & each time you put a new tube in. I use Lezyne pumps & love the threaded adapters - but with a loose core they can be a pain. Especially at the roadside.

[thenortherner]

I'm guessing the loose valve core is the reason I get can't a decent pressure?

[nammynake]

I've switched to Mavic tubes for this very issue.

[PHmember]

thenortherner said:

I'm guessing the loose valve core is the reason I get can't a decent pressure?

It won't help. But small pumps aren't great for high pressures. They're more of a 'get you home' deal. I use either Co2, a Lezyne mini track pump or at home a proper Lezyne track pump.

[thenortherner]

I'll be switching tubes then!

The Lezyne mini pump is supposed to go to 160 psi and I usually run at 90, and it didn't even come close.

I've a decent Lezyne foot pump at home and there's never been a problem with that.

[matt-ITR]

A few things to try...

- blue loctite on the valve core
- GT85/light lube on the threads of the hose
- ensure you bleed the hose fully before trying to remove
- when removing, wiggle the hose slightly

I have the same pump and know that you can have issues - especially when out on a ride and you can't do many of the above - but I have always succeeded in the end.

[JustinF]

nip up the valve cores or ditch the screw on pump for a slot on type like the Birzman

[thenortherner]

Thanks guys,

Just ordered a different push-on pump without the need for a hose. And also some Mavic tubes which aren't threaded and also don't have the removable inner valve.

Anything to minimise the chance of standing by the road side getting totally pissed off!

[nammynake]

I only use Mavic tubes now, but do still carry a core tightener in case fellow riders have an issue. It's tiny.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-valve-core-remove...

[thenortherner]

The new pump arrived today. Really impressed, it gets to a decent pressure without too much effort. Swapped the tube too.

[HardtopManual]

I have the non-carbon road drive. I like the hose, as it means you can be quite aggressive with the pump without risking tearing the valve out of the tyre.

I use Loctite 222 on valve cores and use a spanner to nip them up in order to ensure that they only come out when I want them to. I also use a small adjustable wrench to hold the female part of the valve to avoid torque being transferred to the tyre.